House electric



F. HODGKINSON,

STEAM TURBINE Aug. 28, 1928.

ATTORNEY Aug. 28, 1928. '1,682,338

F. HoDGKlNsoN STEAM TURBINE Filed May 22, 1925 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 ITI .'III lll',

Il lll/l F. Hodlknson INVENTOR ATTORNEY Aug. 28, 192s. 1,682,338

' F. HODGKINSON STEAM TURBINE Filed May 22, 1925 6 sheets-Sheet 5 V gl K lv w x0 o v *el 1 F. Hod knson wlTNE s s' qNVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 28, 1928.

UNITED stares LSZES PATENT ferries.

lI IoUsE ELECTRIC a VANLA.

Application med may 22l 1925. serial N0.'a2,15o.

My inventionrelates to elastic fluid turbines, more particularly to turbines employing rela-tively higher pressures than have hitherto been commonly used and has for its object the provision of apparatus of the charactendesignated which shall be sturdy "fof design and eflicient in operation, without distortion due to variations.

Another object ofmy invention is -to provide a means of support for a turbine ofthe character designa-ted which shall permit freedom of expansion of the turbine due to temperature changes in operation and at the same time maintain its axis of rotation in substantially a permanent position.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for supporting a turbine, of the character designated, and a machine driven by the turbine-whereby :the rotational -axes of the turbine sand of the machine shall bemaintained in their original relative posi- A still further object of my invention is to provide a turbine adapted to operate with high pressure motive fluid and to exhaust at a relatively high pressure, with means adapted to convey said exhaust motive fluid long distances and to employ it for operating other machinery; the high pressure turbine being designed to withstand or be practically unaffected by the contraction and ex- -tion of Fig. 1: Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views taken through theturhine casing along the lines III-III and IV -IV respectively of Fig. 1. said sections being at the exhaust outlet and motive. fluid inlet respectively, but offset at the sides to show the pressure and temperature A machlne; Fig. 10 1s a piping MANUFACTURING COIPANY, .A CORPORATION OF PENNSYL- STEAM TURBINE.

Fig. 6 is a transverse section .taken through the turbine support and exhaust pipe;-F1g. j 7 is a transverse sectionthrough the pedestal-. 55 and` supporting means for.'the. turbine ex--f haust pipe; Fig.'8 is a. section along the lineg VIII- VIII of Eig. 7;; Fig. .-9vjsho:ws the application of. a turbine made in accordance vf with my invention for driving-mJotating `uo' diagram-,illus-f y trating a-lubricating system-adapted to'be employed with my invention; Fig. ll'shows a. modilied form of my invention; and- -1`ig. 12 is a sectional view along the lines XII-' 65 XII of Fig .11.` f

In the design of 'elastie-'fluidturbines emf ploying relatively high initial pressures, for.; example. upwards -of .1,( )00. lbs. per square inch. difliculties have been encountered in providing a casing capable ofrwithstanding. the high pressure therein without .distortion in operation. Furthermore, as turbines .of j this character. normally exhaust against al..

' relativelyi high. pressure. supplying other. T5

turbines with motive fluid, diliicultieshave, been encountered in vso arranging the turbine l and the .exhaust pipe as to permitrelative movement therebetween upon= expansiongthereof without, at the same time. imposing 30 a strain upon the motive fluid -line into which the exhaust pipevis feeding. J

In accordance with my -invention I form, the turbine casing or cylinderv fromtwol blocks ot forged steel ot approximately reci tanqular form, boring out the interior of the cylinder and grooving for the stationary turbine elements. In order to secure the two halves together. I provide bolts extending the depth of the blocks and provide a holefgo from end-to-end of each of the bolts whereby they may be heated to a definite stretch be' fore tightening. At the exhaust 4`end yof the".

.casing a .diffuser element is provided and.

securing means therefor are arranged `which also serve the purpose of staying the exhaust end of"tbeturbine. i 2"l The turbine is mounted upon and'secured. at its exhaust end. to the exhaust pipe andl is provided at its inlet end, with a slidingJOO connection resting upon a complementary' support formed on the exhaust pipe In this: way the turbine is free to move longi tudna-lly, away from the exhaust end, upon flexible supports to the temperature of the exhaust motive fluid, thereby compensating for expansion of the exhaust vpipe in a vertical direction, which would otherwise be transmitted to the turbine,`moving the axis 'of rotation upwardly'and out of its proper position. y

Where thev turbine is directly connectedto a rotating machine, for yexample an electric Generator, I support the generator from the foundation by stationary" elements similar to those employed in the turbine and provide means for maintainin the stationary elements at substantially t e saine temperature, thereby maintaining the rotational axes of -the turbine and of the driven machine in their original relative positions.-

- Referring' now to the drawings for a more detailed description of my invention I show `in Fig. 1 my improved turbine, provided with motive lfluid inlets 11-11 and with an exhaust outlet 12. At 13 I show an exhaust pipe which is'firmly secured tothe exhaust outlet 12. Referring to Figs. 2 to 4 inclusive, the turbine 10 embodies a casing or cylinder 14 which is formed from two blocks of forged steel of approximately rectangular form, the blocks being bored out to form the c 'linder as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. At 15 is sliown a rotor which is provided with a plurality of rows of moving blades 16-16 which cooperate with alternate row;- of stationary blades 17-17 carried h v the cylinder 14. In order to hold the stationary blades 17 in place, I provide grooves 18 18 bored out of the solid metal, into which the blade roots are inserted and wedged in place in any manner known to the art. At 18 I show a nozzle chamber in the form of a circular groove machined in the casing 14 and adapted to communicate with a nozzle block 20.

While I have illustrated a'turbine having a solid rotor with rows of moving blades interleaving with stationary blades carried by the casing, it is within the purview of my invention to provide a rotor of the multiple dise type and mount diapliragms with nozzle elements in the grooves 18-18 in the easing.

The two halves of the casing 14 are held together by means of relatively long bolts 19-19 which may extend the entire depth of the cylinder 14, said bolts being provided at the top with nuts 21-21 and at the bottom with nuts 22 22, the nuts 21 and 22 being screwed down tightlyI in order to hold the two halves together and to withstand the high pressure employed in'the turbine. As these bolts are necessarily large, I have found them difficult to tighten with assurance of imposing thereupon definite stresses. In order to more firmly secure the halves of the cylinder together and to insure definite stresses in the bolts 19, I heat the bolts to a definite stretch before the nuts 21 and 22 are tightened. To this end I provide each of the bolts 19 with a hole 23 (Fig. 5), extending from end to end thereof into which may be inserted any suitable heating element. For example, I illustrate an electric heating element 24, inserted in the hole 23 for heating the bolts 19 to any definite desired stretch before the nuts 21 and 22 are tightened. After tightening, the bolts 19 cool and contract, thereb placing a definite stress on each of the boits and pulling the tivo halves of the. cylinder 14- tightly together, Should it be desired to disassemble the cylinder 14, the bolts 19 may again be heated in the manner just described in order to loosen the nuts 21 and 22. In order that accurate measurements of the bolts 19 may be made before and after tightening, it is preferableto accurately madliine the ends with plane. surfaces. Thus the amount of final stress may be determined accurately by micrometer measurements.

At the exhaust end of the turbine I provide a diffuser element 25 in the form of a deflecting ring surrounding the rotor '15 and resting in appropriate grooves formed in the exhaust end of' the casing 14. In order to hold the diffuser ring in position and to stay the exhaust chamber against the relatively high exhaust pressure, I provide bolts 25'-25'. a suitable number of which extend longitudinally of the turbine cylinder through the exhaust chamber and the diffuser ring 25 as shown.

At 2G, Fig. 2, I show a dummy piston formed on the rotor 15 and having labyrinth packing elements 2T cooperating with similar elements carried by the casing 14 in order to prevent leakage thereby. Such leakage as does occur past the dummy piston 26 may be carried through a flexible conduit 28 into the exhaust pipe 13. A supporting foot 29 formed on the admission end of the turbine easing rests upon a cooperating support 31 formed on the exhaust pipe and is adapted to slide thereon. rl.`he support 31 is hollow and connects directly with the interior of the. exhaust pipe lil wherebv it is subjected at all times to the temperature of the exhaust motive fiuid. In order to inlun sure a circulation of exhaust motive fluid through the support 31, I may form a baille 30 in the interior of the exhaust pipe 13 as shown. Referring to Fig. '6, I show the supporting foot 29 provided with a shoe 32 which fits into suitable guides 33-33 secured to the support 31. In order to minimize any tendency of the turbine to tilt about its vertical axis due to difference in temeprature between the motive fluid leaking by the labyrinth packing 27 and that in the exhaust pipe 13, I make the supporting foot 29 relatively short and the cooperating Support 31 relatively long.

A guiding anchor for the admission end of the turbine structure is shown at 36. The guiding anchor, of course, is properly secured to the turbine foundation. Secured to the anchor 36, beneath the support 31, is a guide member 37 over which fits a shoe 38 which is formed on the lower part of the exhaust pipe 13. Beneath the opposite end of the turbine a similar guide 39 is secured to the foundation, said guide cooperating with a shoe 40, formed on the exhaust pipe. By means of the sliding connections just described, the turbine may expand and move longitudinally relative to the exhaust pipe between the guides 33 and the shoe Relative transverse movement between the turbine and the exhaust pipe is prevented by the guides 33. The exhaust pipe may expand and move longitudinally relative to the foundation between the guides 37 and 39 and slices 38 and 40, While relative transverse movement is prevented by the guides 37 and 39.

In order to support the weight of the exhaustpipe 13 from the turbine foundation, I provide a pedestal 42 at each side of the turbine (which are identical and only one of which is shown). The pedestals 42 are made hollow and may be provided with strengthening ribs or baffles 43 (see Fig. 7). Connecting each of the pedestals 42 to the exhaust pipe 13 is a hollow link 44 Which is firmly secured to the pedestal 42 at the top thereof, and is connected at 45 to the exhaust pipe 13. The links 44 are provided with passages 46-46 (Fig. 8), leading from the interior thereof into the exhaust pipe 13` At 47 (Fig. 1), I show a header connected to the exhaust end of the turbine, and leading therefrom a conduit 48, which conveys exhaust motive fluid to the hollow supporting links 44, being connected thereto at 49. The hollow supporting links 44 are provided with a plurality of strengthening ribs 50- 50 forming the passages 46-46 shown in Fig. 8. The links 44 are of sutlieient width and stiffness to prevent longitudinal movement of the exhaust pipe 13 at the secured portion and also to prevent tilting of the turbine about its vertical axis, but are flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the exhaust pipe 13, permitting the exhaust pipe 13 to freely expand transversely of its longitudinal axis. At the same time, the exhaust pipe is free to expand longitudinally away from the portion secured to the hollow links 44 by reason of the sliding connections 37, 38, 39 and 40 with the turbine foundation as previously described. It will be apparent that in order to support the entire weight of the turbine 10, the exhaust pipe 13 must be made of considerable strength. I accordingly form stifl'ening members 51 and 52 on the exhaust pipe along the portion which supports the turbine.

In order to prevent the accumulation of an unsafe pressure within the turbine casing and in the exhaust pipe 13, I may provide a safety valve 53 on the header 47 which opens on the accumulation .of a predetermined pressure within the .casing 14 or the exhaust pipe 13, relieving' pressure therein.

It will be apparent, from the above, that when the turbine is in operaion, being supported from the exhaust pipe 13, expansion of the exhaust pipe 13 in a vertical direction due to increase in temperature is transmitted to the turbine. The amount of thc expansion is added to the expansion of thc. turbine itself in a downward direction, said expansion being transmitted to the exhaust pipe at 12 and 29. This expansion of the 1 exhaust pipe and of the turbine tends to move the rotational axis of the turbine upwardly. At the same time, however, the hollow links 44, being subjected to the temperature of the exhaust motive fluid, expand and lengthen, tending to lower the rotational axis of the turbine, thus compensating for the expansion of the turbine and the exhaust pipe wihch tends to move the rotational axis of the turbine upwardly. The rotational axis of the turbine is thus maintained in a permanent position. As shown in the drawings, the tops of the supporting links 44 arc secured to the pedestals 42 at the elevation of the center line of the turbine. The vertical distance from the rotational axis of the turbine to the center of the exhaust pipe is thus equal to the same distance measured over links 44. As both are traversed by steam of approximately the same tempera` ture and pressure, vertical movements of each due to changes in temperature are equal and opposite and neutralize each other.

Referring to Fig. 9, I show the turbine 10 as driving a generator 56 through a suitable flexible coupling 55. In such an insulation it will be apparent that the shafts of the turbine 10 and generator 56 should be maintained in line with each other, or in their original relative positions. I accordingly support the generator 56 by a pedestal 57 similar to the pedestals 42 which support the exhaust pipe 13, and means are provided for maintaining the pedestals at approximately the same temperature. For this purpose I indicate a piping:r system wherebyl the oil employed in lubricating the generator 56 and the turbine 10 is passed through the pedestals 57 and 42, maintaining them at approximately the same temperature. The generator 56, being supported directly by the pedestals 57, and expansion of the exhaust pipe 13 in a vertical direction being compensated for by the hollow links 44, it will be apparent that the respective shafts of theA generator 56 and the turbine 10 will be maintained 'in line or in their original relative posit-ions. It should be understood. however, that my invention is 'not Alimited to the use of lubricating oil in the pedestals but any suitable fluid may be circulated therethrough. Y

In Fig. 10 I show, in diagrammatic form, a piping diagramfwith apparatus'for accomplishing the above mentioned result. Oil for the lubricating system is furnished from a reservoir 58 from which it is. pumped by means of a pump 59 into a conduit 61 leading to the pedestals 42 and 57. Oil enters the pedestals 42 and 57 at the bottom` passes around the baffles 43 and out at the top through a conduit 62 connected to both of the pedestals. From the conduit 62, oil is conveyed to a cooler 63, of any approved dc.- sign` from which it passes through a conduit 64 to generator bearings 65-65 and turbine bearings 66-66 or may be arranged to supply any lubricating requirements. After lubricating the bearings -65 and 66--66 the oil passes into a drain conduit 68 and from thence through a conduit 69 back into the oil reservoir 58. It will be apparent that the arrangement of circulating` fluids through the pedestals 42 and 57 is Subject t0 various modifications so long as the main purpose of maintaining said pedestals at the. same temperature is carried out.

Tn Figs. 11 and 12 I show a modification of my invention, simpler in form, and which may be employed where it is not necessary to maintain the rotational axis of the turbine in a permanent position. In accordance with this modification the exhaust pipe 13 is secured opposite the exhaust outlet 12 of the turbine to the turbine foundation. 'The opposite end of the turbine rests upon the exhaust pipe in the same manner as described for the previous modification. The exhaust nipe 13 in this instance is provided with a .shoe 71 fitting into'suitablyformed guide members 7:2472 secured to the foundation. B v this form of support the turbine 10 is free to .expand and more longitudinally relative to the exhaust pipe by means of the slide connection 29 and 33, transverse movement being prevented by the guides 33. The exhaust pipe 13 is free to expand longitudinally. away from its secured portion, b v reason of the slide connection 71 and is prevented from moving transversely relative to the foundation 36 reason of the guide members 72.

From the. foregoing it will be apparent that I have invented an improved elastic fluid turbine capable of withstanding pressures relatively higher than have hitherto been employed, and which, in operation, is free-from distortion due to high pressures and temperatures.

.I'Vhile I .have shown my invention in but two forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited. but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications, without departing -from the spirit thereof. and- I desire` therefore. that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed b v the priorart or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

1. An elastic fluid turbine having an exhaust pipe, supporting means between the er:- haust pipe and the turbine permitting relative longitudinal movement therebetween and further supporting means between the exhaust pipe and a stationary element.

2. An elastic fluid turbine having an exhaust pipe` supporting means between the exhaust pipe and the turbine permitting relative longitudinal movementtherebetween, a stationary element, means flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine for supporting the. exhaust pipe from the stationary element, and further supporting means between the exhaust pipe and the stationary element.

3. An elastic fluid turbine having an exhaust pipe. supporting means between the exhaust pipe and the turbine. permitting rciative longitudinal movement therebetween, a. stationar)y element. means flexible transversel)1 of the. longitudinal axis of the turbine and rigid long (itu'linall)r of said axis for supporting the exhaust pipe from the stationary element.

4. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to one end of the easing and extending longitudinally of the. turbine toward the opposite end of the casing. a supporting member at the. opposite en'd of the turbine casing and formed on the exhaust pipe, said Supporting member ha\" ing a sliding connect-ion with the casing, and means subjecting the supporting member to the temperature of the turbine exhaust.

An elastic fluid turbine having a casing. an exhaust pipe secured to one end of the casing and extending longitudinally of the turbine toward the opposite end of the casing, a supporting member between the exhaust pipe and the opposite end of the turbine casing having a sliding connection therewith, means subjectingr the Asupporting member to the temperature of the turbine lli' exhaust, stationary members at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends, and supporting means flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine between the stationary members and theexhaust pipe.

6. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to one end of the casing and extendingr longitudinally of the casing toward the opposite end thereof, a supporting member between the exhaust pipe and the opposite end of the turbine casing and having a sliding connection therewith permitting longitudinal movements only, means subjecting the supporting member to the temperature of the turbine exhaust, stationary members at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends, hollow supporting links flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine between the stationary members and the exhaust pipe, and means for passing motive fluid through said hollow supporting links to compensate for dill'erences in expansion between the hollow supporting links, the exhaust pipe and the sliding support.

7. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to one end of the casing an extending longitudinally of the turbine toward the opposite end thereof, a supporting member between the exhaust pipe and the opposite end of the turbine casing and having a sliding connection therewith permitting longitudinal movements only, mean subjecting the supporting member to the temperature of thev turbine exhaust, stationary members at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends, hollow supporting links between the stationary members and the exhaust pipe, said hollow supporting links being rigid longitudinally and flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine, and means for passing a part of the exhaust motive fluid through said hollow supporting links.

8. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to the casing near one end thereof, said exhaust pipe being disposed beneath the casing and extending longitudinally of said casing, a sliding connection near the opposite end of the casing engaging with a supporting member extending from the exhaust pipe, said sliding connection permitting relative longitudinal movement between the casing and the exhaust pipe and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween, a foundation, means for supporting the exhaust pipe at one portion thereof from the foundation, and means permitting relative longitudinal movement and preventing relative transverse movement betwen the exhaust pipe and the foundation away from said portion.

9. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to the casing near one end thereof, said exhaust pipe being disposed beneath the casing and extending longitudinally of said casing, a sliding connection near the opposite end of the casing engaging with a supporting member carried by the exhaust pipe, said sliding connection permitting relative longitudinal movement between thc casing andthe exhaust pipe and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween, means for subjecting the supporting member tothe temperature of the exhaust motive fluid whereby the expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertical direction due to temperature changes is transmitted equally to both ends of the casing, afoundation, a pedestal at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends and resting on the foundation, hollow. links secured to the pedestals and forming a cradle support for the eX- haust pipe, means for passing motive fluid through the hollow links, thereby compensating for the expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertical direction and maintaining the longitudinal axis of the turbine in substantially the same horizontal plane.

10. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to the casing near one end thereof, said exhaust pipe being disposed beneath the casingand extending longitudinally of said-casing, a sliding connection near the opposite end of the casing engaging with a supporting member carried by the exhaust pipe, said sliding connection permitting relative longitudinal movement between the casing and the supporting member and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween, means for subjecting the supportingmember tothe temperature of the exhaust motive Huid whereby the expansion of the exhaust pipe and supporting member in a verticaldirection due to temperature changes is transmitted equally to both ends of the casing, a foundation, a pedestal at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends and resting on the foundation, hollow links secured to the pedestal forming a cradle support for the exhaust pipe, said hollow links being rigid longitudinally and flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine, means for passing motive fluid through the hollow links thereby compensating for the expansion of the exhaust pipe .in a vertical direction and maintaining the longitudinal axis of the turbine in substantially t-he same horizontal plane.

11. An elastic fluid turbine having a c asing, an exhaust pipe secured to thecasing near one end thereof, said exhaust pipe being disposed beneath the casing and extend- Ving longitudinally of said casing, a sliding connection near the opposite end 0f the casing engaging with a supporting member carried'by the exhaust pipe, said sliding connection permitting relative longitudinal movement between the casing and the supporting member and preventing relative the foundation, hollow links secured to the pedestals forming a cradle support for the exhaust' pipe, said hollow links being rigid longitudinally and flexible transversely of -the longitudinal axis of the turbine, means for passing motive fluid through the hollow links thereby compensating for the expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertical direction and maintaining the longitudinal axis of the turbine in substantially the same horizontal plane, shoes and guides cooperating between the exhaust pipe and the foundation at each end of the turbine permitting relative longitudinal movement between the exhaust pipe and the foundation and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween.

12. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to the casing` near one end thereof, said exhaust pipe being disposed beneath the casing and extendving longitudinally'of said casing, 'a sliding connection near the opposite end of the casing engaging with a supporting member extending upwardly from the exhaust pipe, said sliding connect-ion permitting relative longitudinal movement between the casing and the supporting member and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween, means for subjecting the supporting member to the temperature of the exhaust motive fluid whereby the expansion of the exhaust pipe and supporting member in a vertical direction due to temperature changes is transmitted equally to bot-h ends of the casing`- a foundation, a pedestal at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends and resting on the foundation, hollow links secured to the pedestals and forming a cradle support for the exhaust pipe, said hollow links being rigid longitudinally and flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine, means for passing motive fluid through the hollow links thereby compensating for the expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertical direction and maintaining the `longitudinal axis of the turbine in substantially the same horizontal plane, shoes provided on the exhaust pipe opposite each end of the turbine, and guideways carried by the foundation and cooperating with the shoes for permittin;r relative longitudinal movement between the exhaust pipe and the foundation and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween.

13. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine having a casing, a foundation for the turbine, and means for supporting the turbine from the foundation comprising a pair of supporting members secured to the turbine casing intermediate its ends, said supporting members being flexible laterally and rigid axially of the turbine permitting transverse expansion of the turbine and preventing tilting thereof about its vertical axis.

14. An elastic fluid turbine having a casing, an exhaust pipe secured to one end of the casing and extending longitudinally of the casing toward the opposite end thereof, a supporting member between the exhaust pipe and the opposite end of the turbine casing and having a sliding connection therewith permitting longitudinal movements only, stationary members at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends, supporting members between the exhaust pipe and the stationary members, said supporting members being flexible transversely of the longitudinal axis of the turbine and rigid in a direction parallel thereto whereby the turbine and the exhaust pipe is free to expand transversely of its longitudinal axis and tilting relative transverse movement therebevented.

15. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine, a machine driven by the turbine, stationary supports for the turbine, a foundation, further stationary supports between the machine Aand the foundation, and means for maintaining said stationary supports at approximately the same temperature.

1G. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine, a rotating machine driven by the turbine and having axis of rotation in substantially the same horizontal plane as the turbine, a foundation, stationary supports between the turbine and the foundation, further st-ationnry supports between the machine and the foundation, and means for maintaining all the stationary supports at approximately the same temperature whereby the rotational axis of the turbine and the machine are maintained in substantially the same horizontal plane.

li'. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine, a rotating machine driven by the turbine and having its axis of rotation in substalionally the` same horizontal plane as the turbine, a foundation, stationary supports between the turbine and the foundation, further statonary supports between the machine and the foundation, a fluid circulating system, and means for passing the fluid in the system through the stationary supports thereby maintaining them at approximately the same temperature.

1S. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine, a rotating machine driven by the turbine and having its axis of rotation in substantially the same horizontal plane as the turbine, a foundation, stationary supports turbine from the between the turbine and the foundation, fu rther stationary supports between the machine and the foundation, a circulating lubricating system for the machine, and means for passing the lubricant in the lubricating system through the stationary supports thereby maintaining them at approximately the saine temperature.

19. In combination, a turbine having a easing with a motive fluid inlet and an exhaust'outlet with an exhaust pipe connected thereto and-'extending beneath the turbine parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, a foundation, means for supporting the exhaust pipe from the foundation, said means being secured to a relatively short portion of the exhaust pipe permittingr longitudinal expansion therefrom, means for support-ing the exhaust pipe, and means for preventingr relative transverse movements between the foundation and the exhaust pipe and between the exhaust pipe and the turbine.

:20. In combination, a turbine having a casing with a motive fluid inlet and an exhaust outlet with an exhaust pipe connected thereto and extending beneath the turbine parallel to the longitudinal axis of the turbine, a foundation, means for supporting the exhaust pipe from the foun ation, said means permitting relative longitudinal movement between the exhaust pipe and the foundation away from the point of support, means for supporting the turbine from the exhaust pipe, and means for preventing relative transverse movements between the foundation and the exhaust pipe and between the exhaust pipe and the turbine.

2l. In combination, a turbine havingr a casing with a motive fluid inlet and an exhaust outlet with an exhaust pipe connected thereto at one end of the casing and extending beneath the turbine parallel to the rotational axisl thereof, a foundation, a support for the turbine at the opliosite end thereof, said support being formed on the exhaust pipe, means for engaging the turbine .support with the easing whereby relative longitudinal movement therebetween is permitted and relative transverse movement therebetween prevented. and means for supporting the exhaust pipe from the foundation.

In combination, a turbine having a easing with a motive fluid inlet and an exhaust outlet with an exhaust pipe connected near one end of the casing and extending beneath the turbine parallel to the rotational axis thereof, a foundation, a support for the turbine at the opposite end of the casing extending upwardly from the exhaust pipe. means for engaging the turbine easingY with the support. from the exhaust pipe whereby relative longitudinal movement therebetween is permitted and relative easing, said support being formed on the exhaust pipe and being subjected to the temperature of the exhaust motive fluid, means for engaging the turbine support with the casing whereby relative longitudinal movement therebetween is permit-ted and relative transverse movement therebetween is prevented, a pedestal carried -by the foundation, hollow links supporting the exhaust pipe from the pedestal, said links being flexible transversely of the rotational axis of the turbine and rigid longitudinally of said axis, and means for passing exhaust motive fluid through said links thereby compensating for the expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertical direction.

24. In combination, a turbine embodying,r a casing having a motive fluid inlet and an exhaust outlet with an exhaust pipe connected thereto at one end of the casing and extending beneath the turbine parallel to the rotational axis thereof, a foundation, a support for the turbine formed on the exhaust pipe near the opposite end of the casing, a shoe carried by the casing fitting imo a compiemental b v relative longitudinal movement between the support and the casing is permitted and relative transverse movement therebetween prevented, pedestals at each side of the turbine intermediate its ends. means for supporting the exhaust pipe from the pedestals, said menus permitting expansion of the turbine transversely to the axis thereof and preventing loiuritluliinll movement of the turbine, means 'l'or subjecting said supporting means to the same temperature as the turbine supports, a. shoe formed on the exhaust. pipe opposite each end of the turbine, complementary guides for the shoes formed in the foundation, said shoes and guides permitting relative longitudinal movement between the exhaust pipe and the foundation and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween.

ln combination, an elastic fluid turbine having a shaft, a machine driven by the turbine and having a shaft in line with the turbine shaft, an exhaust pipe for the turbine, means for supportin(lr the turbine from the exhaust pipe, a foundation, hollow guide in the support, whereitl pedcstals carried by the foundation for supporting the driven machine, other hollow pedestals supporting the exhaust pipe, means coo erating between the 'pedestals and the exliaust pipe to compensate for expansion of the exhaust pipe in a. vertical dirc. tion, and fluid circulating means for maintaining all the 'pedestals at' approximately the same temperature.

26. In combination, an elastic fluid turbine having a shaft, a, machine driven by the turbine and having a .shaft in line with the turbine shaft, an exhaust pipe for the turbine, means for supporting the turbine from the exhaust pipe, a foundation, hollov: pedestals supporting the driven inachine, other hollow .pedestals supporting the exhaust pipe, means cooperating -between the pedestals and the exhaust pipeto compensate for expansion of the exhaust pipe in a vertieal'direction, and means for circulating fluid through all the hollow pcdestals thereby maintaining them at approximately the same temperature.

27. An elastic fluid turbine having u casing formed in two parts from blocks of forged steel, a motive fluid inlet provided at one end of the casing, an exhaust outlet provided at the opposite end of the casing, lneans for securing an exhaust pipe to the exhaust outlet, said exhaust pipe extendin r beneathvthe easing toward the opposite end thereof, a sliding shoe provided ou the opposite end of the casing, guides provided on the exhaust pipe cooperating with the Shoe for permitting relative longitudinal movement between the shoe and the exhaust pipe and preventing relative transverse movement therebetween.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 29th day of April, 1925.

FRANCIS HODGKINSON. 

